Indigenous languages 'must be preserved'

A NATIONAL body should be established to encourage the learning of indigenous languages in Aboriginal communities, an inquiry has been told.

Australian Human Rights Commission spokeswoman Fabienne Balsamo says research shows the number of Aboriginal languages spoken across Australia has dropped from an original 250 to 150.

Indigenous languages could disappear within 30 years without action to preserve them, she said.

Ms Balsamo told the federal parliamentary inquiry that a single national body should replace the current web of state programs as a means of preserving indigenous languages.

"The benefits of indigenous languages could be realised if Australia had a consistent and coordinated national approach, managed through a national institution," Ms Balsamo said.

"While Australia has more than 100 spoken languages ... it is still possible to develop an institution that provides a consistent model for funding, monitoring and resourcing indigenous languages in Australia."

NSW Aboriginal Affairs said grants-based funding was making it hard for communities to deliver language programs.

"It does mean that communities cannot plan for the longer term with much certainty," chief executive James Christian said.

"We know that there are groups and communities who would like to participate but for various reasons can't be at the time of the grants."